RCMP to liaise with FBI on rental scam

Police briefs: Fraud, thefts and drug busts reported

Last Thursday, Oct. 24, an Australian man reported he had been the victim of a Craigslist rental fraud while trying to find housing in Whistler.

The complainant said he had email correspondence with a male and transferred over $4,000 from Australia to a Manhattan-based Western Union account.

Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair said Whistler RCMP is working with the FBI to determine if any progress can be made in the case.

"It's difficult for us to investigate because you've got money being sent from Australia to the United States," he said. "The actual offences are occurring outside of our jurisdiction but we're trying to follow up to see if we can take some proactive steps there."

Police investigate alleged home theft in Pemberton

On Oct. 22, police received a report of a theft from a Pemberton residence on the 1800 block of the Sea to Sky Highway believed to have taken place between Oct. 2 and 21.

Police met with the complainant who told officers he was out of town for three weeks, and that his friend was supposed to lock the front door of the house, but did not.

A blue and black Burton snowboard, yellow Burton bindings, a blue and black Ripzone jacket, green Burton snowpants and a black helmet were reported stolen. The items have an estimated value of $1,225.

Whistler RCMP continues to investigate the incident.

Whistler man charged with multiple drug offences

While performing a road check at Highway 99 near Function Junction last Thursday, police observed a vehicle with uncovered off-road lights, an offence under B.C.'s Motor Vehicle Act. After police stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, 37-year-old Geoffrey Huyghebaert of Whistler, an odour of marijuana was detected. The man also displayed signs of impairment.

A search revealed the man was in possession of marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, a prohibited knife, pepper spray and drug paraphernalia, along with $1,840 in cash.

The accused was taken to the detachment, where he refused to provide a sample.

Police proposed charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, breach of an undertaking and impaired refusal.

Huyghebaert has since appeared in court, where charges were laid.

Undercover operation leads to drug trafficking conviction

In late 2011, Whistler RCMP initiated an undercover drug project, targeting a Whistler resident. Police purchased an ounce of cocaine from the man, who was charged with one count of trafficking cocaine and one count of possession with the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

Matthew Aleksich was convicted Oct. 21 and sentenced to 13 months in jail for possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, according to LeClair.

Mount Currie man arrested for breaching bail conditions

Police on foot patrol in the Village on Friday, Oct. 25, were approached by a group of teenage females who said they observed a man exposing his penis while urinating in front of a nearby hotel entrance. The man also allegedly made a rude comment to the group.

Officers attended the scene and located the man, who was displaying "overt symptoms of liquor consumption," LeClair said. Upon running the man's name through the police records database, it was discovered he was on bail. The conditions of the bail meant the 52-year-old Mount Currie male had to keep the peace, be of good behaviour, refrain from consuming or possessing liquor, or having contact with anyone who is or appears to be under the age of 16. The latter condition was in relation to a charge of two counts of sexual interference, said LeClair.

The man was arrested for breaching his bail conditions, and held for court. The man appeared in court Monday, Oct. 28.